By Healthcare Facilities Today

The largest clinical trial yet of copper-infused hard surfaces and linens to prevent hospital-acquired infections is now underway in Norfolk.

Norfolk-based Sentara Healthcare and Eastern Virginia Medical School are conducting a year-long investigation at two clinical sites; the new 129-bed East Tower at Sentara Leigh Hospital in Norfolk and 16 intensive care unit beds at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

The test materials in the trial -- patient gowns, bed linens and towels -- are supplied by Richmond-based Cupron, which is known for copper-infused fabrics, and Norfolk-based EOS Surfaces LLC, which produces the copper-infused countertops, over-the-bed tables and side rails used in the new East Tower.

“We have deployed many human processes to combat hospital-acquired infections,” said Dr. Gene Burke, vice president and executive medical director for clinical effectiveness with Sentara Healthcare. “We hope these copper products will change the game by killing bacteria around the clock.”

Copper-enhanced socks, produced by Cupron, gained fame during the 63-day ordeal of Chilean miners trapped underground by helping to heal rampant foot infections while they awaited rescue in a wet environment. The Cupron-enhanced EOS Surfaces being used in the trial are clinically proven to kill greater than 99.9 percent of infection-causing bacteria within two hours of contact. It is the first synthetic hard surface approved by the EPA to make public health claims about its antimicrobial capabilities.

"Infections in the hospital, especially the intensive care units, remain a major problem," said Dr. Jerry L. Nadler, vice dean for research at EVMS and chairman of Internal Medicine. "We are excited about the potential for this innovative approach to reduce infections and the use of antibiotics. Even an incremental decline in infections will be tremendously beneficial to the patient and the Health System."

Dr. Shivanjali Shankaran, an infectious disease expert and EVMS assistant professor of Internal Medicine, is overseeing the linen research. Dr. Paul E. Marik, director of pulmonary and critical care and EVMS professor of Internal Medicine, is lead consultant for the study at Sentara Leigh Hospital.

“We are open to the findings,” Burke said. “EVMS and Sentara will compile and publish the data. We believe these products will make a difference. The only question is the magnitude of that difference.”